Eleuthero Bark

오가피 (五加皮) · Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus (Rupr. & Maxim.) S.Y.Hu

Tonic tree-herb Warm Pungent, bitter Liver, Kidney

NatureWarm

TastePungent, bitter

MeridiansLiver, Kidney

Part usedRoot and stem bark

FamilyAraliaceae

CategoryTonic tree-herb

Find by concern: Joint pain Weak lower back Fatigue

Overview

Eleuthero bark — from a thorny relative of ginseng — is the Donguibogam’s herb for strengthening sinew and bone against wind-damp. Recorded as treating the "five taxations and seven damages," it was prized for firming weak legs, easing joint pain, and building resilience, and remains a well-known Korean tonic bark today.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味辛苦, 無毒. 補五勞七傷, 益氣添精, 堅筋骨, 强志意.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste pungent and bitter, and it is non-toxic. It tonifies the five taxations and seven damages, boosts qi and adds essence, firms the sinews and bones, and strengthens the will.

This entry is a draft: the classical quotation is pending verification against the Korean Medicine Classics Database.

Traditional functions

Dispels wind-damp
Strengthens sinews and bones
Tonifies liver and kidney
Firms weak legs and lower back

Traditional applications

Joint pain from wind-damp
Weak, aching legs and lower back
Slow development in children (classical use)
General fatigue with weakness

Traditional preparation

Decoction 6–12g; also steeped as a medicinal liquor (ogapi-ju).

Cautions

Caution: Warming and drying; traditionally used cautiously in yin-deficiency with heat. Consult a professional before use.

Frequently asked questions

Is eleuthero related to ginseng?

Yes — both are in the Araliaceae family. Eleuthero (once called "Siberian ginseng") is a thorny shrub whose bark is used to strengthen sinew and bone, distinct from true Panax ginseng but sharing a tonic reputation.

What does "five taxations and seven damages" mean?

It is a classical umbrella term for the many forms of chronic depletion and overwork; the Donguibogam records eleuthero bark as tonifying this broad pattern of deep weakness.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.